17 June 2016 - The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago hosted on Tuesday, June 14, a reception for the leaders and members of the Filipino-American community in Chicago with Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America, His Excellency Jose L. Cuisia Jr., as special guest in conjunction with the week-long festivities for the 118th Anniversary Celebration of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
During the meeting, Ambassador Cuisia shared memories of his five-year tour-of-duty in the U.S. highlighting strengthened PH-US ties through the establishment of the US-Philippines Friendship Society and Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), among others. He also gave credit to the competence, dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Philippine Embassy and the six (6) Philippine Consulates General in the US in supporting him toward the achievement of his objectives under the three pillars of Foreign Policy namely: economic diplomacy, national security and assistance to nationals. He expressed his gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino, III for the opportunity to serve as Ambassador to the U.S., which he intends to personally convey before the end of his term. More importantly, he cited the importance of the Filipino community in Chicago and their engagements in community programs to empower themselves and become a potent and influential ethnic group in the US.
Ms. Louella Cabalona, Vice President of the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) Batch 2012, also shared her great experiences and projects after joining FYLPro that enhanced the vibrancy and dynamism between the Philippines and the Filipino-American community in the United States, especially in the Midwest.
Photo opportunities and a light reception capped the evening’s gathering. END
